Kalasa

Kalasa is a town which is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The town is also close to the famous Kudremukh Peak.This town is also known as the temple town of Karnataka. There is a very famous tale of how Kalasa came into existence. It states that when Lord Shiva was getting married to Goddess Parvathi all the deities attended this wedding. As a result there was a shift in the rotation of the earth. It was then that Lord Shiva requested Sage Agastya to  go down to the south and then balance the shift of the earth. Lord Shiva also promised Sage Agastya that he would be able to see the wedding from wherever he was. It is believed that the sage Agastya resided in the town of Kalasa during the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. This whole event is also considered to be an important part of Hindu Mythology. This is why the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is celebrated by the devotees here till date.

 

The Origin of Kalasa

Legend:

The locals believe that the origin of Kalasa is linked to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's marriage. During their wedding, there was a shift in the rotation of the earth. To maintain balance, Lord Shiva asked Sage Agasthya to travel to the Southern part. However, the sage didn't want to leave as he wanted to attend the marriage. To fulfill his wish, Lord Shiva granted him an Arcadian vision to witness the wedding from Kalasa.

Meaning of Kalasa:

Kalasa in Sanskrit means 'Kalsha,' which means a pot holding water. Every temple, according to Hindu Temple Architecture, should have a round pinnacle placed at the top.

 

Mythology and Etymology

• Mythology: The birth of Kalasa is attributed to a legend where the goddess Bhagavathi appeared in the dream of a local farmer and instructed him to build a temple on the banks of the Bhadra River.
• Etymology: The name Kalasa is derived from the Sanskrit word "Kalasha," which means a pot or vessel, symbolizing abundance and fertility.

 

Climate

Kalasa enjoys a relatively pleasant climate throughout the year, except for summers. Situated in the heart of Western Ghats, it offers visitors a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

Transportation And Best Time To Visit The Kalasa

The airport which is closest to the town is the Mangalore Airport. From the airport one will have to take either a cab or bus to reach the town. The Bantwal railway station is the closest to the town. From the railway station one will have to take either a bus or a cab to reach the town. There are many KSRTC buses which can be taken to reach the town. One can also hire a cab or a car  in order to reach the town. The best time to visit this place is after the monsoon season is over which is from the months of September to February.

 

Accommodation In Kalasa

In terms of accomodation there are many places where one can stay near the town. The prices too are affordable. Some of the names of the places are Silent Valley Resort, Uttunga Homestay, Kaapi Kadu Holiday Home, Suprabha Residency, Nature Valley Homestay,etc. There are also many places where one can eat food at. Some of the names of the restaurants are Tikka Point, Bharani Veg and Non-Veg Restaurant, Hotel Srinivas, Chandan Veg and Non- Veg Restaurant, Sagar Multicuisine Restaurant,etc.

 

Places To Visit Near Kalasa

 

Attraction	Description	Mythological Significance	Architectural Style/Notes	Festivals
Kalaseshwara Temple	A temple near Bhadra River on a hillock, appears like a pot from a distance. Features a soapstone shrine in Hoysala architectural style and a community hall. Hosts the Kalasa Car Festival (Rathotsava) during which the main idol is paraded.	Sage Agastya's visit to balance the earth's rotation after Lord Shiva's wedding caused a Shiva Linga to appear, leading to the temple's construction.	Hoysala architectural style	Kalasa Car Festival (Rathotsava)
Girijamba Temple	Dedicated to Goddess Girija, known for its main festival celebrating the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Girija two days after Diwali.	-	-	Marriage Festival of Girijamba
Venkataramana Temple	Built around the 15th century, dedicated to Lord Venkataramana. Famous for its car festival similar to the Kalasa Car Festival, where the idol is paraded during the event.	-	-	Car Festival
Pancha Theerthas	A set of five sacred water bodies associated with mythological events and part of the pilgrimage route in Kalasa. Each Theertha has its own significance.	-	-	-
Duggapan Katte	A viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Kalasa and its surroundings.	-	-	-
Tea and Coffee Plantations	Tours through these plantations provide insight into the cultivation of tea and coffee.	-	-	-
Sirimane Waterfalls	A picturesque waterfall located near Kigga, known for its trekking trail. Falls from a height of approximately 40 feet, irrigating paddy fields and coffee estates downstream.	-	-	-

 

Festivals/Events at Kalasa

 

Festival/Event	Temple/Location	Description	Notes
Kalasa Car Festival (Rathotsava)	Kalaseshwara Temple	The main idol is paraded through the streets in a procession.	Day and night prayers and rituals
Marriage Festival of Girijamba	Girijamba Temple	Celebrates the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Girija.	Two days after Diwali.
Car Festival	Venkataramana Temple	The idol of Venkataramana Swamy is taken out in procession.	Similar to the Kalasa Car Festival.